When I came out to my friend whom I have known since daycare it was very hard because I hadn’t come out in a while. When I was in my room with him (I have not seen him in two years), and I was playing with a doll he said, “That is some ‘gay sh*t'” and I replied “That’s me,” and he asked “You’re gay?” in a snarky voice, and I said, “Well, actually I’m non-binary” as I ran to the bathroom. I was thinking how he uses “gay” as an insult and how he is the exact boy I would NOT hang out with, but luckily all my other friends and family are really accepting. (Nonbinary/12)
Story #2463
When I came out to my grandparents about being nonbinary and having a new name, they said, “Oh (dead name), we will always support you. Won’t we support HIM?” (talking to grandpa). It made me feel uncomfortable about being nonbinary and I did not even correct them. I came out when I was 6, and they still make mistakes now. (Nonbinary/12)
Story #2459
When I came out, I first came out to my brother. At the time, both of us were living as girls. I built a little house in minecraft with my pride flag as the color scheme, and he did the same. We later talked about it on a walk, and then came out to our other family together. (Masc enby/15/Aroace/polyam)
Story #2457
When I came out everything felt weirder. I feel like everyone I told (myself included) just tried to avoid the topic. I felt like I was half in and half out of the ‘closet’. Different people in my life responded differently and knew different amounts: my mom knew but didn’t think that nonbinary people could have gender dysphoria, my dad sort of knew but thought it was ‘just a phase’ and didn’t take me very seriously, my dad’s partner was supportive, my mom’s partner didn’t know and thought that ‘there’s no possible way that there are that many transgender people. I mean, there’s always going to be one or two, but…’, and so one. I was (and still am) so scared of rejection. I came to a point where I felt that I had ‘come out’ too much to pretend it had never happened yet too far to fully come out without making it seem like I was craving attention, or doing too much. Because I never knew how to properly come out, no one knows my full identity, just that I use they/them pronouns (sort of), that I don’t dress femininely (at least most of the time), and that I wasn’t straight (even though I never clearly stated my orientation). (Nonbinary Genderflor Genderflux Trans/11/Arospec Ace-spec Abroromantic Lesbian)
Story #2441
When I came out to my bff, she was so proud. She asked me who the lucky girl is and I told her. This was about November of 2022. A few months after I told a few more people. One of my other friends said that she had to talk to me. She didn’t know my crush. So she asked if I liked anyone and I told her. She said that my crush likes my back. Now in February I came out to my parents by leaving a note on their bed before I went to my friend’s house. My mom texted my friend and said that she loves and supports me. Then when I got home my dad was all like “but are you sure?” (Non-binary/13/Lesbian)
Story #2435
When I came out I came out to my best friends first. They were really supportive of it and supported me all the way. I came out to my parents the other day; I had someone bring up the conversation because I didn’t know what to say. My mom said she already knew I was lesbian but she wasn’t gonna call me by my changed name or pronouns. She said that she was not gonna refer to me as non-binary, which really hurt. (Non-binary/14/Lesbian)
Story #2425
When I came out it was to a close friend. They proceeded to tell me they’re genderfluid. Now we’re super close. To everyone out there, find your one. (Nonbinary/12/Panromantic)
Story #2423
When I came out I was 12 and still thinking I was Bisexual, but I fell love with a Demi-girl and I came to my family as Pansexual and Non-binary. Maybe if I just was a little more sure on who I loved then I would knew more sooner, but I think it was the perfect timing! Love is love! Be who you are and don’t hide it! (Non-binary/12/Pansexual)
Story #2413
When I came out to myself, I was 14, and thought that I was bisexual, but then at 16, I learnt about asexuality, and thought I was Biromantic Grayace. But then as time passed, I identified as Non-Binary at 19, and with weird feelings towards guys, I realized I was a lesbian at 20, but always felt like I didn’t fit in with the really sexual and romantic feelings of being a grayace lesbian. So now, I realized that I’m Grayaro too! So on the aroace spectrum with a lesbian orientation. I’ve come out to almost all my friends, who are supportive, but my parents are in denial. But I’ve found a beautiful accepting community along my journey of coming out and discovering my identity. (Non-binary/20/Gray aroace lesbian)
Story #2400
When I came out, I was eleven. I texted my best friend at 1 A.M. (in my time zone, not hers – it was about noon there), and she was really confused about why I’m not sleeping. I quickly typed out that I was non-binary and my pronouns were they/them (still are!). She responded, “Meh…you never liked much of the girly stuff but you never seemed like a boy either. This seems like the right fit.” I am so grateful to have a person to confide my joy and fears to.